How Does Smoking Cause Cancer?
October 28, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Smoking is a well-established risk factor for several types of cancer, and it’s primarily due to the numerous harmful chemicals and carcinogens present in tobacco smoke. The process by which smoking causes cancer can be explained as follows:
- Carcinogens: Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, and at least 250 of them are known to be harmful, with more than 60 recognized as carcinogens, which means they have the potential to cause cancer.
- Inhalation: When a person smokes, they inhale these harmful substances into their lungs. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the DNA in cells that line the respiratory tract and other parts of the body where the smoke is exposed.
- DNA Damage: The DNA in our cells carries the instructions for cell growth, division, and function. When the DNA is damaged by carcinogens, it can lead to mutations in the genes that control these processes.
- Uncontrolled Cell Growth: The mutations in genes caused by tobacco smoke can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and division. This uncontrolled growth is a hallmark of cancer.
- Tumor Formation: Over time, the accumulation of genetic mutations in cells can lead to the development of tumors. These tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). If a tumor is malignant, it can invade nearby tissues and potentially spread to other parts of the body (metastasis).
- Specific Cancers: Smoking is strongly associated with several types of cancer, including lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix. Lung cancer is one of the most well-known and deadly cancers caused by smoking. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke can directly damage the lung tissue, increasing the risk of lung cancer significantly.
- Synergistic Effects: Smoking can also interact with other risk factors, such as exposure to asbestos, radon gas, or secondhand smoke, to further increase the risk of developing cancer.
It’s important to note that the risk of cancer from smoking is directly related to the duration and intensity of smoking. The more a person smokes and the longer they smoke, the greater their risk of developing cancer. Quitting smoking at any point can reduce the risk of cancer and other smoking-related diseases. In fact, the risk decreases significantly in the years after quitting, and over time, it can approach that of a non-smoker. Smoking cessation is one of the most effective ways to reduce your cancer risk and improve your overall health.